Pronunciation: [lˈɒŋ fˈe͡ɪs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "long face" follows the general rules of English phonetics. In IPA transcription, the word "long" is pronounced /lɔːŋ/, with the long vowel sound represented by the symbol /ɔː/ and the consonant sound of /ŋ/ at the end. The word "face" is pronounced /feɪs/, with a diphthong represented by /eɪ/ and the sound of /s/ at the end. The combination of these sounds creates the commonly used phrase "long face."
Long face is a colloquial expression typically used to describe someone's facial expression characterized by sadness, disappointment, or dissatisfaction. It is often used figuratively to describe a person's demeanor or mood. The term refers to a facial expression where the person's mouth is turned down, typically accompanied by a downward tilt of the eyebrows, thus creating the appearance of a lengthened face.
The phrase is derived from the understanding that when a person experiences feelings of discouragement or unhappiness, their facial muscles tend to relax, causing their features to droop and appear elongated. This drooping effect is especially noticeable around the mouth region, giving the impression of a "long face."
Additionally, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is expressing pessimism or gloominess. It implies a general sense of dejection or melancholy, as though the person is carrying the weight of their sorrows with them. It is often used when someone has received disappointing news, had their hopes dashed, or experienced some other form of setback, causing their facial expression to reflect their emotional state.
The phrase "long face" is primarily used in informal contexts and idiomatic expressions to convey a specific sentiment or mood, making it a relatively informal term rather than an official definition found in traditional dictionaries.
The etymology of the phrase "long face" can be traced back to the late 18th century in English idiomatic expressions. The term "long" has often been associated with sadness or a gloomy expression, while "face" refers to one's facial expression. Combining these words creates the idiomatic phrase "long face", which describes someone who appears sad or disappointed. The phrase likely originated as a description of someone with a drooping or elongated facial expression, suggesting a melancholic or pensive mood. Over time, it became a commonly used expression to describe someone who appears unhappy or downcast.
